Yreka Miners volleyball: Andrus named NAL MVP

Comment

Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

Writer

Posted Nov. 14, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Updated Nov 14, 2012 at 11:27 AM

Posted Nov. 14, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Updated Nov 14, 2012 at 11:27 AM

YREKA

Yreka High head varsity volleyball coach Scott Eastman received a plethora of good news when he met with his fellow coaches at the Northern Athletic League volleyball meeting in Susanville Monday night.

The Miners received a total of five awards, including senior Emily Andrus earning NAL Most Valuable Player honors by an unanimous decision.

This is the first time since Shelley Smith earned MVP honors in 1989 that a Miner has received this honor, Eastman said.

"I think it's a humbling thing for her to be a part of," he said. He added that Emily being an unanimous choice showed how much Andrus is respected by everyone in the NAL. Andrus led the league in kills and blocks and is a key reason Yreka is 28-7 overall and is still alive in the section playoffs.

Eastman said that Andrus is one of "the most cerebral players I've ever had," and said she works extremely hard in practice and in games on all aspects of her game. He

added that he wished he had Andrus for one more year. While she just turned 17, she is graduating this school year because she skipped a grade,

"She's the type of player you want everyone to strive to be like," Eastman said.

The Miners received more good news when junior Justine Cota, senior Lacie Landrum and junior Jenna Turner earned first team NAL honors. And, junior Ashley Ensminger earned NAL honorable mention honors despite missing two NAL games due to injuries.

Eastman said the Landrum was the best libero in the NAL this season and her play was a key reason the squad is having such an outstanding year.

"She is the heart and soul of the team and our emotional leader," Eastman said

Cota, only a junior, was third in the NAL in kills, with many NAL coaches believing that she has the potential to be "the heir apparent" to Andrus next season, Eastman said.

Turner was one of the best setters in league this year and one of the team's best defensive players. Eastman said that her ability to do a variety of things well, from blocking, defense, to hitting made her a very valuable player for Yreka.

Yreka earned a share of the NAL title along with Lassen this season. It was the first time since 1989 that the Miners earned a league title. The squad, won a five set battle against Lassen in the second round of the Northern Section Division 4 playoffs last Thursday. This Thursday, Yreka will take part in a semifinal match against Sutter on the road.